Application Due: April 17, 2019 

Program Dates: October 17-27, 2019

The Program
The U.S. Institute of Peace and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have partnered to build bridges between international leaders and youth peacebuilders. In support of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, this partnership will create a space where constructive, intergenerational conversations can occur that begin to lessen the divides separating the work of youth leaders and more traditional leaders.

The program will bring a group of youth peacebuilders to Dharamsala for two days of conversation with the Dalai Lama to discuss ways in which youth can partner with international leaders to build peace. Selected youth will come from some of the world’s most conflict-ridden areas. 
 
His Holiness the Dalai Lama 
Few world leaders can understand the experience of youth peacebuilders as fully as His Holiness, who, at age 15, was thrust into the leadership of his people as they faced the traumas of war. Like some of the youth participants in this program, His Holiness fled his country as a refugee and has lived for years in exile.

In Dharamsala, the youth leaders will share their experiences and will discuss with His Holiness ways in which youth leaders and world leaders can cooperatively build peace. The very engagement of youth with His Holiness will serve as a model for the youth on how to bridge intergenerational divides. The conversation in Dharamsala will provide a platform for greater international advocacy for youth priorities in peace and security and will expand the global impact of youth leaders.
Criteria to Apply
          • Must reside and work in Afghanistan, Burma, Central African Republic, Colombia, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria (or of Syrian origin living and working in Lebanon, Turkey or Jordan), Tunisia, Venezuela or Yemen.
          • Must be 18-28 years old.
          • Must be able to read, write and speak English.
          • Must hold a leadership role in an organization that does peacebuilding work. 
          • Must have a passport that is valid through April 2020. 

Program Dates
October 17-27, 2019

Submissions that are incomplete or late will not be considered.  Applications will be accepted no later than April 17, 2019 at 17:00 (GMT -4:00).  All inquiries should be sent to GenChange@usip.org.

Notifications of Application Status
Selected participants will be notified by email by May 15, 2019.  If you are not notified by this time, you have not been selected. 

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* 1.
GENERAL INFORMATION

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Please answer each question with as much detail as possible in no more than 400 words.

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* 2. What is the most significant obstacle to peace in your community? How does the obstacle impact your life?

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* 3. How are you working to build peace in your community?

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* 4. Describe your leadership role  in a peacebuilding organization. What is your title? What are your responsibilities? 

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* 5. What is the mission of the organization with which you work? When was it founded and what led to its creation?

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* 6. With whom does your organization work? Describe your key beneficiaries, stakeholders or partners. 

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* 7. What challenges do you encounter when trying to work with traditional leaders? How have you worked to overcome those challenges?

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* 8. What about His Holiness the Dalai Lama do you find inspiring? How might this exchange inform the way you partner with traditional leaders to build peace?

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* 9. What is the thematic focus of your peacebuilding work? 

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* 10.
EXAMPLE OF WORK
Participants are youth leaders who are working for peace in their community. Please describe one project or initiative through which you have partnered with traditional leaders at the local, community, or international level to build a more peaceful society.

Please answer the following question with as much detail as possible in no more than 400 words.

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* 11. Why is this project important? What substantive results do you expect from this project and how do you envision them contributing to your community?

ATTACHMENTS
Please attach the following documents with this application. 
1)      An updated curriculum vitae or resume 
2)      A scanned copy of the informational page of your passport.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
USIP will sponsor selected youth leaders to attend the program from October 17-27, inclusive of travel days. USIP will pay for the cost of flights, lodging, and meals for each participant during their stay. Participants are required to share a double occupancy room with a fellow youth leader of the same gender.  

By signing this Participation Agreement youth leaders commit to a collaborative partnership with USIP. Under this Participation Agreement, participating youth leaders agree to:

1. Provide a written reflection or testimonial describing findings, learnings, and skills gained from the program. This reflection will also provide the opportunity for participants to provide suggestions for future programs or voice concerns about the program. This document will be due within one month of the program. Participants will also be required to complete a post-program evaluation survey. 

2. Apply learnings from the program in order to create impact within their community. Youth leaders will be expected to apply lessons learned or skills developed during the program to benefit their community. This can come in many forms, including trainings, workshops, projects, or other community based activities. Participants will be expected to report to USIP on their engagements and how they have integrated their learnings from the program into their work. 

3. Commit to supporting the learning community of youth leaders. USIP aims to provide a space for youth leaders to learn, grow, and practice conflict mangement and leadership skills, as they build bridges in their communities. By signing this Participation Agreement, participants agree to actively participate in the program, attend all sessions, and arrive on time. 

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* 12.
Please sign to certify the above statement.

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* 13. Please upload a copy of your passport information page.

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* 14. Please upload a copy of your C.V. in English.

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